Lithium batteries’ energy density (150-300 Wh/kg) is far higher compared to lead-acid batteries (30-50 Wh/kg) and nickel-metal hydride batteries (60-120 Wh/kg), making them the preferred battery for high-drain devices. For example, the 100kWh terre lithium battery pack that Tesla Model S Plaid is equipped with has a battery life of 637 kilometers and weighs only 540kg, while the lead-acid battery pack of the same battery life will weigh more than 2 tons. The iPhone 14 Pro’s lithium polymer battery (3.2Ah) is only 7.45cm³ but can be used for 20 hours of video playback, and its energy density is 620Wh/L, 3.1 times the nickel-metal hydride battery (200Wh/L).
Its charge and discharge efficiency (above 95%) and power density (250-350W/kg) have outstanding advantages. Porsche Taycan’s 800V high-voltage lithium battery system supports 270kW overcharge and only 22.5 minutes (4C charge rate) for 10%-80% of charge, while the normal 400V system charging efficiency is only 50%. For the drone market, the 77Wh lithium battery on the DJI Mavic 3 provides 43 minutes of battery life (900g load), while the same energy hydrogen fuel cell (40% efficiency) requires 300% more weight and five times longer charging time.
In terms of cycle life and stability, lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) boast a number of cycles up to 2000-6000 times (capacity retention rate ≥80%), far greater than that of lead-acid batteries (300-500 times). Five years of use in a light storage project in Qinghai, the lithium battery pack capacity in the Ningde era is only decreased by 12% (2.4% per year), while the lead-acid battery pack is decreased by 60% in the same period. The calendar life of Tesla Megapack (3.9MWh) exceeds 15 years, and the kilowatt-hour life cycle cost (LCOS) is reduced to 0.05/kWh, 67% lower than that of the gas-fired peaking power plant (0.15/kWh).
High and low temperature adaptability continuous optimization: new generation NMC 811 lithium battery -20℃ discharge efficiency to maintain 85% (traditional NMC 622 is 65%), 60℃ high temperature cycle life to 1200 times (capacity attenuation < 20%). Byd blade battery through the acupuncture experiment (steel needle diameter 5mm) surface temperature is only 60℃ (ternary lithium battery over 500℃), thermal runaway probability decreased to 0.001 times/million (industry average 0.1 times/million).
In cost-effectiveness, although the initial cost of lithium batteri is higher (120/kWh compared to 80/kWh for lead-acid batteries), its life cycle cost (10 years) is only 1/3 that of lead-acid. A U.S. data center used lithium batteries to replace diesel generators, reducing annual maintenance costs from 500,000 to 80,000, and reducing power outage losses by 92% (response time < 1ms compared to Diesel 30 seconds). According to BloombergNEF, the average price of lithium battery packs in 2023 is 89% lower than in 2010 (from 1100/kWh to 120/kWh), driving EV penetration worldwide from 0.3% to 14%.
In the field of high extreme performance requirements, solid-state lithium batteries (energy density ≥400Wh/kg) have achieved breakthroughs. QuantumScape solid-state battery sample was charged at 25℃ and 1C, and the capacity retention ratio was > 95% after 1000 cycles, and the charging rate was 4 times that of the liquid battery (15 minutes to 80%). US Department of Defense tests show that military drones equipped with silicon based negative lithium batteries have increased their endurance by 37% (from 120 minutes to 165 minutes) and their bomb load by 20%.
From smartphones to satellites, from supercars to grid energy storage, lithium batteries are the energy norm for high-performance devices with the triple advantages of energy density, efficiency and lifespan. With silicon anode, solid electrolyte and other technologies coming of age, lithium batteries will continue to reign supreme at least until 2035 (as predicted by the IEA), the key driver powering human clean energy transition.